Aung San Suu Kyi defends action against militants in Myanmar

In what is probably her first major speech after the Rohingya crisis began, Myanmar’s de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, dismissed allegations about atrocities being committed against Rohingyas in Myanmar. She said that the problem of Rohingyas is just one of the many problems that Myanmar is facing right now. Addressing the media and observers and diplomats from around the world, Kyi said that a number of allegations have been floating around, but it is difficult to say if they are true. She refused to accept allegations that the Myanmar military is burning homes of Rohingyas and killing them and driving them out of the country. She said that a lot of reports have been published in the media, but whether or not it is true cannot be said with certainly.

Kyi said that the Myanmar government is aware of its responsibilities and would take action against anyone who may be involved in human rights violations. She said that the government is concerned about all those who have been affected by the conflict. It may be recalled that the conflict began in Rakhine state after Muslim Rohingya militants attacked police and military posts in the area. The attack was launched by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). Around 12 security forces were killed it the attack and it prompted the Myanmar government to take strict action against the militants. Kyi said that the government would try to understand why so many people are fleeing the country and make attempts to stop the mass migration.